Looking to make a good cup of espresso at home. Is this the answer?
What grinder were you planning on getting? The grinder will influence quality more than the espresso machine.
The Saeco seems ok. What features were you looking for? Check out coffeegeek.com. You will find more information there than you could ever want.
Where is AndrewJ…
For a grinder I am looking at maybe the Solis Maestro Plus. As for features, I want something easy to use, relatively inexpensive (under 400 bucks) and durable (oh…and a good cup of expresso).
I think you’d be better off spending a little more and getting something like a Rancilio Rocky. If there is any area where you shouldn’t skimp, it’s the grinder. The cheaper grinders aren’t really built to grind espresso on a daily basis.
Even though coffeegeek seems to be offline at the moment for maintenance, I would definitely read the forums and reviews. That will give you a much better idea of what will work best for you.
I’m here - no longer with Saeco - grinder is what it is really about as someone else posted.
For a traditional pump machine - have a look at the Breville -great quality product
Another grinder I am looking at is the Gaggia MDF (recommended at coffeegeek.com). Rocky is a bit pricey.
Yes,
I have a Vienna D at home and a Magic Plus at work
Saeco automatics are awesome
.
Don’t get me started on autos :).
AndrewJ -
I didn’t know! Well hopefully you have moved onto bigger and better things.
To the OP - I recommend Whole Latte Love (http://www.wholelattelove.com/) as an internet retailer for cofffee stuff. They don’t have superior pricing but they do have some excellent customer service and support. Additionally they do solicit reviews and some of them are helpful. I know of a couple of people who have a Racnilio Rocky + Silvia who are very happy.
Personally I’m too lazy for doing it manually - picked up a superautomatic and I’ve never looked back.
Good luck in your search.
hey, you’ve got to keep your eye on that guy. he’s going to be famous one day. 
"Don’t get me started on autos 
"
I know, I have been eyeing the new 335i coupe as a replacement to my E46 …
300 hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six, piezoelectric direct injection, gasoline turbocharged, accelerates from 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds — more than the E46 M3
(the 2008 M3 coupe is planned to have a 400 hp naturally aspirated V-8!)
New thread over at the coffeegeek forums about $200 grinders: